Tuesday, 25 March 2025

Your Trusted Partner in Smart Metering Security and Compliance

Electricity power lines. Transmission and supply, sale of electricity and energy security concept.

The UK energy industry is facing an increasingly complex and dynamic threat landscape.

As energy systems become more interconnected and digitised through smart metering, the potential attack surface for cyber threats has expanded significantly. From ransomware attacks on critical infrastructure to advanced persistent threats targeting sensitive data, energy companies must continuously adapt to emerging risks. Moreover, organisations are often challenged by the intricate process of undertaking an ISO 27005 compliant risk assessment — a framework that requires not only identifying and evaluating risks but also integrating specific and sophisticated anomaly detection measures, (SEC Section G, G6.1 – G6.10). This ever-evolving environment demands robust security measures that can not only protect against current threats but also anticipate future vulnerabilities. 

Alongside the escalating cyber threats, the regulatory environment governing smart metering is also in a state of constant flux. Compliance with the Smart Energy Code (SEC), particularly Sections G and I, is a vital component of ensuring the security and integrity of smart metering systems. Many organisations encounter complexities when developing the policies and procedures necessary to support continuous anomaly detection and implement real-time, actionable threat intelligence solutions. Coupled with the high stakes of interacting with the Data Communications Company (DCC) and SEC regulatory User CIO auditors, these challenges make navigating the regulatory framework even more daunting. 

For companies preparing for the User CIO audit, common pain points often include

Understanding and Interpreting Complex Requirements

The SEC, audit standards, and additional frameworks like ISO 27005 can be intricate and hard to decipher, leaving businesses uncertain about what constitutes full compliance and how to effectively detect and respond to anomalies.

Resource and Time Constraints

Preparing for the audit requires significant internal resources — from conducting detailed risk assessments and updating technical controls to drafting new policies, often straining operational capacities.

Gaps in Security Controls

Many organisations discover critical gaps in their security frameworks during the audit preparation process, particularly in areas like real-time threat intelligence and anomaly detection, leading to delays or the need for expensive, last-minute remediation.

Navigating Stakeholder Expectations

With multiple internal and external stakeholders, aligning all teams — security, compliance, IT, and leadership — can be a challenge when trying to meet audit standards while maintaining business continuity.

At Talan, we specialise in providing expert cybersecurity, compliance, and assurance services to organisations operating within the UK Smart Metering ecosystem. With a deep understanding of the Smart Energy Code (SEC) and its security obligations — particularly Sections G and I — we are the trusted partner for energy suppliers, network operators, and service providers seeking to achieve and maintain compliance in an increasingly complex risk environment. 

We recognise that passing the User CIO audit is a critical milestone for organisations looking to interact with the DCC. Since 2016, our experienced, UK-based, security-cleared consultants have successfully guided over a hundred clients through the process — ensuring they meet stringent security and operational requirements while tackling the nuances of ISO 27005 compliant risk assessments and real-time threat intelligence integration. Thanks to our structured approach and expert guidance, we have maintained a 100% pass rate.

How We Help You Succeed: Our Tailored Consultancy Services Provide

Readiness Assessments

Conducting detailed gap analyses against SEC requirements and ISO 27005 standards to identify compliance shortcomings, including the necessary policies and procedures for robust anomaly detection.

Risk Assessment & Anomaly Detection Solutions

Guiding you through the complexities of ISO 27005 compliant risk assessments and helping to develop comprehensive procedures that underpin real-time actionable threat intelligence solutions.

Implementation of Security Controls

Aligning security frameworks with ISO 27001, Cyber Essentials+, and other recognised standards to ensure a resilient security posture.

Audit Preparation & Evidence Review

Supporting the development of policies, procedures, and technical controls that meet CIO auditor expectations, ensuring a seamless audit process.

Stakeholder Engagement & Training

Working closely with internal teams and leadership to streamline audit readiness and minimise business disruption.

Ongoing Compliance & Assurance

Embedding continuous compliance mechanisms to ensure readiness for future audits and regulatory changes.

Tried and Tested Policy Documentation

Our bespoke ‘audit-tested’ templates not only jumpstart the compliance process but also incorporate the latest risk management strategies for real-time anomaly detection and threat response.

Our experience spans the entire smart metering landscape, from delivering security assurance for many of the leading UK and European energy suppliers to providing cyber threat intelligence assessments for the Smart Metering Security Sub-Committee. We also act as strategic security consultants to several major energy providers, ensuring their ongoing compliance with smart metering security obligations while managing the inherent complexities of modern risk assessments. 

With a team of UK-based security-cleared specialists and an unblemished track record of audit success, Talan provides the expertise and assurance you need to navigate the challenges of Section G and I, as well as the additional complexities of modern risk assessments and proactive threat intelligence integration. 

Get in touch today to discuss how we can help you achieve your compliance goals.


Upcoming Event: Achieving Compliance for the UK Energy Sector

On 9 April we are hosting an event on simplifying compliance for cyber and privacy teams within the UK Energy Sector.

If you are an organisation that would like to know more about UK Energy Compliance and how we can help with your compliance needs, then this event if for you.

To find out more and to register please click here to visit our event webpage.

Related Content

Read Ian's Bio
Discover
Register for our Achieving Compliance for the UK Energy Sector roundtable
Discover
View our Cyber Threat Intelligence Expertise
Discover
View our Data Privacy Expertise
Discover